Imagine the three stooges, on crack...not in a good way. Once upon a time, there was a demon Newfie; a mysterious taxi driver; a dragon with no communication skills (other than his dick); and a clueless, impulsive, thoughtless, pregnant, engaged guardian heroine, demon prince, demon lord, proscribed (cursed?), mate to two dragons, demon possessed, venediger, with round heels...who redefines TSTL.
IMO this book is not funny, didn't make me smile much less laugh. But then, I don't like slapstick. It did induce a migrane, from excessive eye rolling.
Aisling & Drake do not have a healthy relationship, and NO communication skills (except on her back). The author seems to have confused Alpha with a**. If I knew anyone in a similar relationship, I'd seriously consider intervention.
This is not my first book by Katie, it might be my last. She has ventured beyond silly and rediculous.
IMO this book is not funny, didn't make me smile much less laugh. But then, I don't like slapstick. It did induce a migrane, from excessive eye rolling.
Aisling & Drake do not have a healthy relationship, and NO communication skills (except on her back). The author seems to have confused Alpha with a**. If I knew anyone in a similar relationship, I'd seriously consider intervention.
This is not my first book by Katie, it might be my last. She has ventured beyond silly and rediculous.
Jeannette J. (TSarien) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
She is Aisling Gray, and you can call her frustrated... Well, I'm Jean and I've have enough. Like I said in the other book (You Light my Fire), this thing about Aisling being so powerful yet so clueless is driving me right out of kilter...and turning me off this author. I loved The Corset Diaries and Men in Kilts; but this one is over for me. Also, I have tried hard to like Drake, but other than he is 'uber-sexy' there is nothing there. Frankly, I like Jim the demon newfie more.
It is a sad day indeed for an author when the secondary characters are better than the protagonists.
It is a sad day indeed for an author when the secondary characters are better than the protagonists.
Elizabeth M. (betsybug) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I really, really enjoyed this book, as much I loved the first one (I thought 2 and 3 were very good and moved Aisling's story along well, but the first was still the best IMHO).
For those who are thinking about reading this one who haven't read books 1-3, you do need to start at the beginning, because Macalister has created a complex Otherworld and dragonsept-world that she doesn't take time to explain in this book. In fact, it's been many months since I read Light My Fire, and I had a time of it recollecting what had happened to pick up the story in Holy Smokes.
That said, I love Aisling and Drake (I'm loving him more and more, in fact), and all the returning characters are employed very well. However, she does add a new dragon character - I don't want to say and ruin a 'twist', but he's not a rival for Aisling's affections, I can say that - and I was glad that she did. I was fearing that Aisling and Drake being in love and together would mean the series would lose its momentum, but I think she added this character now to plan for Book 5 and/or 6. So, that made me happy, too.
For those who are thinking about reading this one who haven't read books 1-3, you do need to start at the beginning, because Macalister has created a complex Otherworld and dragonsept-world that she doesn't take time to explain in this book. In fact, it's been many months since I read Light My Fire, and I had a time of it recollecting what had happened to pick up the story in Holy Smokes.
That said, I love Aisling and Drake (I'm loving him more and more, in fact), and all the returning characters are employed very well. However, she does add a new dragon character - I don't want to say and ruin a 'twist', but he's not a rival for Aisling's affections, I can say that - and I was glad that she did. I was fearing that Aisling and Drake being in love and together would mean the series would lose its momentum, but I think she added this character now to plan for Book 5 and/or 6. So, that made me happy, too.
Catherine S. (jayhawkcat) -
Helpful Score: 4
Aisling Grey, Guardian, Demon lord, Prince of Abbadon, and wyvern mate is finally going to be made an honest woman by Drake (her dragon "sweetie"). She will have to overcome a few things first, of course, since nothing is easy where she is concerned.
To start off the fun, the Red Sept has not given up its feud with Aisling, Drake and the Green Sept; they are causing all kinds of trouble for them. Aisling is trying to keep all of this and the Otherworld stuff from her human step-mom and dad, along with her tough Uncle who are in town for the wedding. Then Drake goes missing on their wedding day!
Aisling starts being proactive and sets out to find and rescue Drake; in the process learns a lot more about the different Dragon Septs and regains some trust for Gabriel. As always Jim is by her side offering his colorful comments and whining about food or how he is being treated. Through all of this the Dark voice in her head won't shut up and Bael requires something from Aisling that she is not prepared to give.
What can I say but "Holy Smokes! That was Awesome"! Katie MacAlister continues to deliver with this fourth installment in her Aisling Grey Guardian series. Action, sexy dragons, magic, sarcastic sidekick demon (in a wonderful Newfie form), Lord of the Underworld, relatives, a little B & E, a wedding and did I say sexy dragons, all delivered with her signature humor and style.
What I loved most about this book is that we got to see Aisling step up to the plate and really figure things out this time (without getting herself deeper into trouble) and that the romance is still there between Aisling and Drake. There is a major amount of closure at the end and I am not sure if this means there will be no more Aisling books or not; but do not fear for she has a new book due out in May also set in this world. I do not know how she keeps coming up with these great stories but they are golden to me and they are on my keeper shelf (maybe I have a little dragon in me).
Aisling Grey books in order
1. Playing With Fire
2. Fire Me Up
3. Light My Fire
4. Holy Smokes
To start off the fun, the Red Sept has not given up its feud with Aisling, Drake and the Green Sept; they are causing all kinds of trouble for them. Aisling is trying to keep all of this and the Otherworld stuff from her human step-mom and dad, along with her tough Uncle who are in town for the wedding. Then Drake goes missing on their wedding day!
Aisling starts being proactive and sets out to find and rescue Drake; in the process learns a lot more about the different Dragon Septs and regains some trust for Gabriel. As always Jim is by her side offering his colorful comments and whining about food or how he is being treated. Through all of this the Dark voice in her head won't shut up and Bael requires something from Aisling that she is not prepared to give.
What can I say but "Holy Smokes! That was Awesome"! Katie MacAlister continues to deliver with this fourth installment in her Aisling Grey Guardian series. Action, sexy dragons, magic, sarcastic sidekick demon (in a wonderful Newfie form), Lord of the Underworld, relatives, a little B & E, a wedding and did I say sexy dragons, all delivered with her signature humor and style.
What I loved most about this book is that we got to see Aisling step up to the plate and really figure things out this time (without getting herself deeper into trouble) and that the romance is still there between Aisling and Drake. There is a major amount of closure at the end and I am not sure if this means there will be no more Aisling books or not; but do not fear for she has a new book due out in May also set in this world. I do not know how she keeps coming up with these great stories but they are golden to me and they are on my keeper shelf (maybe I have a little dragon in me).
Aisling Grey books in order
1. Playing With Fire
2. Fire Me Up
3. Light My Fire
4. Holy Smokes
Jennifer M. (medinaserpa) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book!!! Katie Macalister has had me since book one on this series. I admit that her Dark one or Vampire series has gone down hill but this series has stayed strong.
Aisling has gotten herself into more trouble. Her and Drake can not seem to make it to the church to get married at the same time. That poor girl lets see she is... A Demon lord, Guardian, The Venediger of the L'au-dela, Prince of hell, Wvyern mate to another dragon sept, Engaged to a green dragon, and I am sure I missed something else. All in a days work right?
Aisling has gotten herself into more trouble. Her and Drake can not seem to make it to the church to get married at the same time. That poor girl lets see she is... A Demon lord, Guardian, The Venediger of the L'au-dela, Prince of hell, Wvyern mate to another dragon sept, Engaged to a green dragon, and I am sure I missed something else. All in a days work right?
Helpful Score: 3
I was extremely disappointed in this book. I usually read the Aisling books fairly quickly, but this one seemed to drag on forever. The story seemed too chaotic with no direction, and yet it still seemed boring. This was quite the letdown, and makes me worry about any future installments.
Rebecca T. (solticeart) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Love this series and cant wait to read the next one which is on its way! This is one of my favorite paranormal type series... I love the idea of dragons as people and how she makes some demons who we would think would be evil not so much.. they are like people.. some evil as real people can be and some not..as real people can be.. I love the chemistry she lakes between the overs in this series and love how she really can make it feel like your right there... watching it all happen.. I lose myself in these books.. she has a good smooth writing style.. it flows and its a fast read.. I recommend it.. read the others in the series first though!
Nancy B. (momof2furkids) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 57 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this entire series and am now starting on the Silver Dragons series. Katie MacAlister's books are funny, sexy and light reading. Pure fun!
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 2527 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is the fourth, and so far last, book in the Aisling Grey Guardian series. This book follows much in the same vein as the third book in the series. It is light, easy to read, and an entertaining story. Although there are strong aspects of romance to this book; I think fans of the paranormal genre who like action more than romance will also like this book.
The book starts with Aisling getting stood up at the alter by Drake. Of course it's not Drake's fault. Again Aisling has many things coming at her from all directions. She is pregnant, they are at war with the red dragon clan, she has been proscribed and is trying to get rid of her dark powers, her guardian mentor-ship is on hold, and she has to perform duties for the blue dragon clan. All of this is complicated by her family being in town for the wedding.
As with the other books, a lot happens in this book. I was happy that the plot was very finely crafted and all of the intertwining events made sense and were resolved. There are still some cliff hangers at the end of the book, but they have more to do with other characters than with Aisling and Drake.
Aisling is a little bit less of an airhead in this book. She actually gets things done, as opposed to just screwing them up. Her and Drake make more progress towards a decent, modern-day relationship, so at least they aren't as messed up as in the previous books. Aisling, herself, is not my most favorite character but the side characters more than make up for her shortcomings.
Previous to this book I said the third one in the series was my favorite, well now this one is my favorite in the series. I plan on reading the Silver Dragons series by Katie MacAlister too. These are fun books for a quick read when you want something light. They don't really overextend your brain and are a nice vacation from heavier reading.
The book starts with Aisling getting stood up at the alter by Drake. Of course it's not Drake's fault. Again Aisling has many things coming at her from all directions. She is pregnant, they are at war with the red dragon clan, she has been proscribed and is trying to get rid of her dark powers, her guardian mentor-ship is on hold, and she has to perform duties for the blue dragon clan. All of this is complicated by her family being in town for the wedding.
As with the other books, a lot happens in this book. I was happy that the plot was very finely crafted and all of the intertwining events made sense and were resolved. There are still some cliff hangers at the end of the book, but they have more to do with other characters than with Aisling and Drake.
Aisling is a little bit less of an airhead in this book. She actually gets things done, as opposed to just screwing them up. Her and Drake make more progress towards a decent, modern-day relationship, so at least they aren't as messed up as in the previous books. Aisling, herself, is not my most favorite character but the side characters more than make up for her shortcomings.
Previous to this book I said the third one in the series was my favorite, well now this one is my favorite in the series. I plan on reading the Silver Dragons series by Katie MacAlister too. These are fun books for a quick read when you want something light. They don't really overextend your brain and are a nice vacation from heavier reading.
Helpful Score: 2
Love these books, though this one seemed to be not as fun as the others -- but stlll a good "candy" read -- not a lot of substance, but that's what I'm after when I read these :)
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book and this series so much. I was so sad to see it end. Ash always cracked me up and that demon of hers Jim was too much. This series is a great pick me up if you are feeling down. Katie just has a wonderful sense of humor.
Helpful Score: 1
Thes books have comedy, action, and mush, all rolled into 1 fun package!
Helpful Score: 1
Good book, a little disappointing after reading the others...but maybe it was because I knew it was the end of the series. Katie MacAlister is a great writer and she doesn't disappoint with this one. Aisling still finds trouble everywhere.
Helpful Score: 1
Can Aisling Grey take back control of her life and sept?
With a wedding to plan,the Red Sept after her and a war going on,trying to keep her temper proves nearly impossible and is when all abaddon breaks loose.
With a wedding to plan,the Red Sept after her and a war going on,trying to keep her temper proves nearly impossible and is when all abaddon breaks loose.
Helpful Score: 1
Another great one by macalister that will have you laughing throughout the whole book! Worth the read.
Helpful Score: 1
I absolutely loved this book. I laughed through-out. Each book has gotten better. Another good read from Katie MacAlister
Helpful Score: 1
I absolutely loved this whole series! This book is a nice ending to the first three books. (Although, I'd love if the author would write more books with these characters!) It keeps up the pace of the other titles, is really laugh-out-loud funny at times, and has a nice mix of mystery, comedy, supernatural elements and romance. This book stands on its own, but I highly recommend reading the first three books before you read this one.
Bethany P. (badbadkitty) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
My favorite of the series. Good story line, and actually couldn't put it down, HAD to read it all the way through in one sitting.
Loved it! I love the whole series; from the Guardian to the Light Dragons! A must read!
Loved this series, read it twice.
Janet S. (poodledogs) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 244 more book reviews
great series! I haven't read the 3rd book in this series, so I didn't quite follow some of the story plot in this book (4th in series.
Frances P. (franniekin) - , reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 276 more book reviews
I always laugh out loud reading Katie MacAlister novel and this was no exception. Loved it.
Excellent book
Funny series. I love the characters!
The 4th Aisling Grey story and the chemistry just isn't there so I wonder why she wants to marry that dragon. I know she has fire problems, but he's so cold to her, why's she chasing him? Not such a logical story.
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 724 more book reviews
I found this book a little off kilter,too chaotic. Jim is still my favorite and read this one just catch up on him
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Bk 4) on + 768 more book reviews
Great Book!
Lots of continued mischief and mayhem as Aisling tries her best to officially marry her Drake . . .
I'm Aisling Grey--but you can call me "frustrated."
The man of my dreams-uber-sexy Drake Vireo, wyvern of the green dragons-has finally decided to make an honest woman of me. That is, if we ever make it to the wedding at the same time! Being left at the altar may have cooled my jets, but not my passion...a good thing when Drake disappears and it's up to me to find him.
Most brides just have in-laws to worry about. Me? I have warring dragons, ticked-off demon lords, eternal damnation, and a mage who wants to challenge me for an otherworldly position I don't even want. Good thing I have Jim, my doggie-demon at my side. He's never let me down-yet...
I'm Aisling Grey--but you can call me "frustrated."
The man of my dreams-uber-sexy Drake Vireo, wyvern of the green dragons-has finally decided to make an honest woman of me. That is, if we ever make it to the wedding at the same time! Being left at the altar may have cooled my jets, but not my passion...a good thing when Drake disappears and it's up to me to find him.
Most brides just have in-laws to worry about. Me? I have warring dragons, ticked-off demon lords, eternal damnation, and a mage who wants to challenge me for an otherworldly position I don't even want. Good thing I have Jim, my doggie-demon at my side. He's never let me down-yet...
